In a move that turned heads across the college football landscape, five-star quarterback Ryder Lyons stunned fans and recruiters alike on Tuesday by announcing his commitment to BYU.
The 6-foot-2.5 standout from Folsom, California, made it official live on The Pat McAfee Show, leaving some of the sport’s powerhouse programs out in the cold.
Lyons, ranked as the No. 5 quarterback and No. 19 overall prospect in the 2026 class by 247Sports Composite, had his pick of nearly every top-tier program. Offers from Alabama, Oregon, and other blue bloods flooded in.
Yet, instead of heading to the SEC or Big Ten, Lyons chose to stay closer to home and join the Cougars. It’s a rare win for BYU on the national recruiting stage and their first five-star quarterback commitment in nearly two decades.
Why Lyons Chose BYU
The decision might seem unconventional at first glance, but Lyons clearly sees something in BYU that others might have overlooked. According to 247Sports, Lyons brings a dynamic skill set rarely seen at the high school level. He’s been carving up defenses since his sophomore year, combining elite arm talent with the ability to make plays outside the pocket.
“Lyons is an exceptional talent… a pure thrower with a live arm,” wrote 247Sports in a recent scouting report. “He can shred a defense with his arm and his legs… and is equally dangerous when a play breaks down.”
Lyons’ game isn’t just about flash. He shows a deep understanding of timing and touch, delivers accurately to every level of the field, and doesn’t hesitate to take a hit if it means staying in the pocket long enough to complete a throw. Coaches and teammates rave about his leadership and relentless work ethic. His ceiling, by most accounts, is sky-high.
For BYU, this commitment is a massive statement. They’re not just landing a top quarterback; they’re landing one of the most complete quarterback prospects in the country. Lyons’ decision reflects both his belief in the program’s direction and his confidence in carving his own path.
As the recruiting world continues to react, BYU made its biggest quarterback splash in a generation. And Ryder Lyons isn’t coming to blend in. He’s coming to build something.
